Bee, Wasp, Hornet & Yellowjacket Exterminator in Metuchen, NJ 08840

Wasp, Hornet, and Yellowjacket Information for Homeowners in NJ & PA

Common Stinging Insect Questions

What is the difference between a Yellowjacket and a Wasp?

Yellow jackets are actually the common name of a particular type of wasp. In the US, wasps from the Vespula and Dolichovespula genera are called yellowjackets. Yellow jacket species are smaller than other wasps but more aggressive. 

How can I tell the difference between Wasps and Yellowjackets?

The easiest way to tell paper wasps and yellowjackets apart is to watch their behavior. Paper wasps are relatively non-disruptive. They build their small nests onto high structures such as overhangs, roofing, chimneys, or tree branches. Wasps focus on hunting insects, so they’ll rarely approach you. If you leave wasps alone, they’ll probably leave you alone. You may not even notice there’s a wasp’s nest near you until late summer or fall.

Yellow jackets are far more disruptive. They build their nests closer to the ground in sheltered, dark nooks and crannies. They’re also more attracted to garbage and human food than wasps. They gather around sugary liquids, meat, or rotting materials. Yellow jackets range further from their nests and defend themselves more aggressively than paper wasps. Yellow jacket colonies are also simply larger than paper wasp colonies. If you see a lot of wasps around your home, then those wasps are probably yellow jackets.

If you look closely, you can see that the European paper wasps have distinctive orange antennae. Yellowjacket antennae are black. 

How did I Get Wasps?

Fences, sheds, eaves, soffits, and gutters on home exteriors are popular wasp nesting spots. Flowers and plant life attract them to yards, as do patios and other outdoor eating areas with crumbs or sticky soda spills that are not cleaned up. Garbage cans that are not adequately covered and regularly emptied also attract wasps seeking food sources. Properties with abundant insects and spiders also provide ample prey for both developing and mature wasps. Contrary to popular but inaccurate beliefs, nests left behind by wasp populations that die during the cold weather months are generally not reused by subsequent generations of wasps.

Why You Shouldn't Self Treat for Yellowjackets.

Most DIY remedies suggest that homeowners get in close contact with the yellow jacket nests to spray or dump the solution into the nest; however, this can be extremely dangerous. You should never get near a yellow jacket nest without the proper safety gear; otherwise, you're subjecting yourself to the possibility of getting stung multiple times.

What is a Bald Faced Hornet?

The bald-faced hornet is a relative of the yellowjacket and gets its common name from its predominantly black color and mostly white face. This stinging insect is named a hornet because of its large size and aerial nest.

A bald-faced hornet infestation is clearly visible with the presence of a nest, which would be suspended above the ground. If there is an infestation, there will also be worker bald-faced hornets flying around the nest and nearby area.

Avoiding contact with these insects is key to preventing getting stung!

Do you remove Honeybees?

If you suspect honeybees are nesting in or around your home, we will contact the NJ Beekeepers Association or the PA Honeybee Association to relocate the nest for free. You can also contact these associations directly.

Do you provide services for Carpenter Bees?

Yes, for more information on Carpenter Bees, click here.